Fall river in fall?

[Natekursow]

I've never fished the Fall river before, but I might have a chance to in the next month or so. Is it worth it fishing in early November/late October? If so, any advice helps. If not, what other rivers in the greater Redding area are worth fishing then? I have access to some inflatable kayaks if that helps. Thanks!

NK

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

October is one of the top months for mid-elevation lakes and streams for trout.

Your timing is good......

Eagle Lake is Oct/Nov/Dec.

Davis Lake is pretty hot in October.

Frenchmens Lake should be good.


Fall river, Upper Sac and the McCloud rivers should be good depending on the flows.



October is just good for about everything that swims with fins and lips.

[NCL]

Fall is my favorite time of year to be on Fall River

[ricards]

I fished Fall River on Thursday and got my butt kicked. I spent way too much time lower down on the river by the first pump house (as you work your way upriver from the CalTrout access). There was a small hatch of tiny Baetis (about a size 24). I caught a couple of small fish on nymphs and saw only one or two large fish. At noon or thereabouts, I began working my way upriver. I was well on my way to Zug Bug Alley when I finally encountered a pod of decent fish. There were still a few Baetis on the water, but the fish ignored my #20 PT nymph.

On the way back down to the CalTrout access, I met up with a guide and his client. The guide told me that they hooked a total of four fish on dries, got two to the boat, and broke off two. Oddly enough, they were able to entice strikes using a #18 dry.

I guess I should have tried a dry. Your better bet is going to be Baum Lake. It should be fishing good right now.

[Natekursow]

Okay... any tips on fishing Baum? Also what about the McCloud, Upper/Lower Sac, Pit or Hat Creek? Are they gonna be better fishing? Thanks for the info!

Also walk and wade is my preferred fishing method as the only boat access I have are some inflatable kayaks.

NK

[WLREDBAND]

What R said. I just finished 3 days up there and it was sloooooooooooooow. In addition to what he said, the cooler weather is helping kill off the weeds and they were floating down enmasse and fouling on the hook, leader knot, etc. Basically had to clean off your rig every cast.

I fished Fall River on Thursday and got my butt kicked. I spent way too much time lower down on the river by the first pump house (as you work your way upriver from the CalTrout access). There was a small hatch of tiny Baetis (about a size 24). I caught a couple of small fish on nymphs and saw only one or two large fish. At noon or thereabouts, I began working my way upriver. I was well on my way to Zug Bug Alley when I finally encountered a pod of decent fish. There were still a few Baetis on the water, but the fish ignored my #20 PT nymph.

On the way back down to the CalTrout access, I met up with a guide and his client. The guide told me that they hooked a total of four fish on dries, got two to the boat, and broke off two. Oddly enough, they were able to entice strikes using a #18 dry.

I guess I should have tried a dry. Your better bet is going to be Baum Lake. It should be fishing good right now.